Top Things to do in Colon
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What to do and see in Colon, Colon Province: The Best Things to do
About 50 miles northwest of Panama City, Colón is home to the northern gateway of the Panama Canal as well as Afro-Caribbean descendants of those workers who helped build the canal in the early 20th century. Colón’s greatest claim to fame—and the main reason visitors come here—is the Colón Free Zone, a massive shopping showroom where wholesalers, retailers and the general public shop. You’ll also find Colón 2000, a cruise-ship port with restaurants, a supermarket, and shops selling duty-free merchandise. The most scenic way to travel here is by way of the restored Panama Canal Railway, featuring elegant, wood-paneled and carpeted rail cars (based on 19th century designs) that takes you on a hour-long journey through the rainforest to Colón.
Restaurants in Colon
1. Chagres National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Located on the eastern side of the Panama Canal, this 300,000-acre park features the Chagres River and Lake Alajuela, which are popular spots for camping, rafting, fishing and other water sports.
Reviewed By M2445ITdavids - Honolulu, United States
I have a great tip for those heading to the main boat tour embarkation point at Gamboa Public Dock at Muelle Publico Gamboa, to get there you pust drive thru a beautiful tropical Rain Forrest preserve "Soberania National Park" once there you can Bargain for a good group Rate if you have enough people. choose a boat drivin by the younger local guys on the far left hand side Tell them you want to see the monkies, crocodiles, and to the local Embra tribes Village and all by Boat! Have Fun !
2. Gatun Locks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
Reviewed By harmonie - Antwerp, Belgium
We crossed the Gatun Locks on a cruise ship. Since there are 3 locks and the operations last for hours, you get plenty of time to experience all the maneuvers needed to bring the ships from the Atlantic Ocean up to Lake Gatun
3. Observation Centre Canal Expansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By 791989 - Grayson, United States
This is a place to spend a couple of hours to get a full idea of the importance of the Panama Canal. There is a restaurant, walking trails and a fantastic view area of the new locks, as well a the old locks. You ca almost reach out and touch ships entering the new locks.
4. Agua Clara Locks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By LIRoss55 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
We had seen the original canal lock gates at the excellent centre on the Pacific side: Miraflores. I wanted to see the new system and the only way to do this is to go to the Atlantic side. So we took the early train from Panama City. It is the original carriage and engine from the 19th century, a wonderful comfortable trip though the rainforest with views of the canal and lakes with complimentary coffee and breakfast. I had arranged for a driver to take us to the station in the morning, she picked us up in Colon and took us to Aguas Claras locks where we watched a ship go through the new basins and gates. The guide gave great live explanations what was happening and tbere is a good short film about the building of the new super ship size locks. A must if you want to understand the new canal.
5. Portobelo National Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 197 reviews
Picturesque bayside village features the ruins of five Spanish forts, a restored treasure house and the burial place of Sir Francis Drake.
Reviewed By Resort545463
Portobelo is a quiet town seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It's steeped in history, bright colors and third world charm I fell in love instantly. I enjoyed walking through the Spanish ruins imagining what things must have been like in the 1600's sitting by the bay drinking rum and walking the streets and taking in the sights. You won't find fancy hotels here YET its still an unspoiled hub of culture.
6. Fort San Lorenzo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 318 reviews
King Phillip II ordered the fortress to be built in 1595, which is located on the Chagres River commanding a view of the mouth of the river and miles out to sea.
Reviewed By 617reginaldg
This is a beautiful site. It's a bit of a drive to get there as the road is rather isolated but when you get there, it is really beautiful. the ruins are gorgeous and some really great photo's can be taken there. Also, there are some unique animals to see there as well. It's worth the trip if you like history and beauty.
7. Panama Canal Railway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By 705lindseyp - Green Cove Springs, United States
This was a tour organized by NCL. It was crazy expensive, but so worth it. We started on a bus from Lake Gatun Panama and it was a 90 minute ride to Panama City. From there we boarded the beautifully maintained Panama Canal Railway Dome car for the scenic ride back to Colon where we picked up our cruise ship. The bus ride was comfortable, the guide very knowledgeable with a running commentary. The train was just amazing and the countryside was nothing short of spectacular . Aboard the bus we enjoyed a small sandwich snack and on the train we had a nice snack box. Drinks were available to purchase and the coffee , served with a smile , was free!
8. Centro de Visitantes de Agua Clara
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By LuisArmandrake - Mexico City, Mexico
The new locks of Agua Clara are spectacular and it is a work of great importance to Panama, from here you can see the new locks of the New Canal or Panama's expanded canal, incredible engineering work on the Atlantic coasts, this place is 80 KM from Panama City very close to the city of Colon on the Atlantic coast, it is worth the trip and the journey.
9. Port Colon 2000
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 217 reviews
We are the port located in Manzanillo Bay, near theentrance of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic sector, leader in the passenger boat service, we mobilize cargo ingeneral, perform repair of boats and marine services.
10. Zona Libre De Colon
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